Coaxial and shielded plugboard apparatus



Dec. 9, 1969 L. c. FRIEND COAXIAL AND SHIELDED PLUGBOARD APPARATUSOriginal Filed Aug. 25, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Lmvsm (ARLTONFmau Dec. 9, 1969 L. c; FRIEND COAXIAL AND SHIELDED PLUGBOARD APPARATUS8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Aug. 25, 1964 INVENTOR. LiNbSAY (murouFmem:

Dec. 9, 1969 c. FRIEND COAXIAL AND SHIELDED PLUGBOARD APPARATUS OriginalFiled Aug. 25, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. Lmmsmv (ARLTON Fmeup Dec.9, 1969 c. FRIEND COAXIAL AND SHIELDED PLUGBOARD APPARATUS 8Sheets-Sheet 4.

Original Filed Aug. 25, 1964 IN VENTOR. LINDSAY CARI-TQM FRIEND Dec. 9,1969 L. c. FRIEND 3,483,339

COAXIAL AND SHIELDED PLUGBOARD APPARATUS Original Filed Aug. 25, 1964 8Sheets-Sheet 5 28a 27& 28b

INVENTOR. LmusAv Aanou FmENv Dec. 9, 1969 1.. c. FRIEND COAXIAL ANDSHIELDED PLUGBOARD APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Aug. 25,1964 INVENTOR. LINDSAY ARLTQN Fmem:

Dec. 9, 1969 1,. c. FRiEND 3,483,339

COAXIAL AND SHIELDED PLUGBOARD APPARATUS Original Filed Aug. 25, 1964 I8 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR. L IUDSAY CARLTON FRIEND Dec. 9, 1969 c.FRIEND 3,

COAXIAL AND SHIELDED PLUGBOARD APPARATUS Original Filed Aug. 25, 1964 8Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR. Lmvsm' (mu-cu Fmauv nite U.S. Cl. 200-51 ClaimsABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A plugboard apparatus for coaxial andshielded signal paths is disclosed which features fixed and movablepanels coupled by a carriage for etfecting relative displacementtherebetween, with each panel apertured to receive sets of contactorseach including an inner signal conductive path substantially surroundedby and insulated from an outer shielding path. The outer conductivestructure of each contactor is relieved at its end so that contactors ofthe fixed and movable panels may be bought together from a spaced andover-lapping position to form a closed shield surrounding the innersignal contacts of mated contactors. The inner contact elements as wellas the outer contact elements include spring portions defining contactsurfaces which are mated together by the aforementioned closure ormovement between panels. The contactors of the fixed and movable panelsare made up of inserts which are fixed into the panel apertures andpatchcords which plug into such inserts to facilitate changes in wiringpatterns and thus changes in switching function for the apparatus.

This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 391,934, filedAug. 25, 1964, and now U.S. Patent No. 3,348,187.

Existing programming systems evoke technical criticism in severalrespects. A first point is that insertion and withdrawal of programboards is overly difficult for the typical employee user. A second pointis that occasion for damage to contactor parts during program boardchange is all too possible.

With respect to existing shielded systems, increasing standards incidentto an increase in environmental RFI have made partial shieldingunacceptable for certain critical applications. As to coaxial systems ofpresent design, the most often cited complaints are excessive expenseand lack of simultaneous multiple closure, the typical system being nomore than an array of high quality coaxial connectors which must beindividually connected and disconnected to effect program change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improvedplug board apparatus of the type particularly suited to accommodatecoaxial and shielded signal paths.

The present invention purports to provide a new plugboard system whichanswers the foregoing shortcomings and includes as a feature object theprovision of a novel contactor and contactor mounting means which istolerance accommodating to permit high density packaging of largenumbers of coaxial and shielded connectors. A further object is toprovide a self-aligning contactor and a self-aligning contactor boardassembly for plugboards which assures a substantial wiping action fortwo conductive paths per contactor position.

A still further object is to provide a truly shielded and coaxialcontactor assembly which permits multiple and simultaneous engagementand disengagement of in- States Patent G dividual signal paths eachshielded and coaxial at the point of connection. Another object of theinvention is to provide a front panel carriage assembly whichfacilitates rapid panel changes without contactor damage.

Other objects and attainments of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the followingdetailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings inwhich there are shown and described illustrative embodiments of theinvention; it is to be understood, however, that these embodiments arenot intended to be exhaustive nor limiting of the invention, but aregiven for purposes of illustration in order that others skilled in theart may fully understand the invention and the principles thereof andthe manner of applying it in practical use so that they may modify it invarious forms, each as may be best suited to the conditions of aparticular use.

In the drawings:

FIGURES 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the plugboard assembly ofthe invention in closed and open positions, respectively;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the plugboard assembly of FIGURE 2with the front board removed;

FIGURE 4A is a perspective view of the assembly front board;

FIGURE 4B is an enlarged perspective View of the front board handlebracket which serves to transmit board camming forces;

FIGURE 5A is a partial elevation showing in section details of the frontboard of FIGURE 4A;

FIGURE 5B is a partial elevation of an alternative construction of afront board shown in section;

FIGURES 6 and 7 are elevational views of part of the board carriagemechanism of the assembly of FIGURES 1-3;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view of the carriage driving mechanism;

FIGURE 9A is a side view showing the rear board contactor of theinvention with lead attached and positioned in a sectioned board;

FIGURES 9B-9D are exploded perspective views of the contactor of FIGURE9A depicting the components thereof;

FIGURE 10A is a side view showing the front board contactor of theinvention with lead attached and positioned in a sectioned board;

FIGURES 10B-10C are exploded perspective views of the contactor ofFIGURE 10A depicting the components thereof;

FIGURE 11A is a side view of front and rear board contactors secured inboards shown in section and in the initial position of travel followingboard closure;

FIGURE 11B is a sectional view of the contact paths of the contactorsshown in FIGURE 11A;

FIGURE 12A is a side view of the contactor assembly of FIGURE 11A at afurther position of travel;

FIGURE 12B is a sectional view of the contact paths of the contactors ofFIGURE 12A;

FIGURE 13A is a side view of the contactor assembly of FIGURES 11A and12A in the final position of travel in closure; and

FIGURE 13B is a sectional view of the contact paths of the contactors ofFIGURE 13A.

GENERAL FEATURES In overall operation the plugboard assembly of theinvention is similar to that of any standard system; namely, there isprovided a rear bay or board, a carriage and front board drivingmechanism tied to the rear board and a front board which may bepositioned in or on the carriage to be transported in a controlledmotion of closure relative to the rear board. Thus, in FIGURE 1 theassembly of the invention includes a rear board 12 having a carriagepivotally supported thereon comprised of arms and links which guide andsupport a front board 100. The rear board includes panels such as shownin FIGURES 2 and 3, each apertured as at 20a to receive a rear boardcontactor assembly such as 121 in turn electrically terminated to leadson the back side of the rear board. These leads go to and come fromelectrical and/ or electronic components which, when interconnected in asuitable and selected pattern, will perform a distinct program function.The interconnection is provided by pairs of contactors such as 141connected via leads 140 and carried by the front board 100 by panelssuch as 102 in aperture such as 102a.

As will be made apparent, program changes may be effected by withdrawingcontactors from a given board and reinserting such in a differentpattern; or, separate pre-patched front boards may be used with a singlerear board and carriage. This latter use is preferred where pro gramsare frequently repeated and frequently changed; the former use beingpreferred where either repetition or change is infrequent.

From the detail to be hereinafter given and from FIG- URES 2 and 3, itwill be apparent that the carriage of the invention assembly takes thefront board in a position well removed from any possible incidentalengagement which might damage the contactors of either board. Further,by providing a bar such as 86 extending fully across the front of theassembly, initial installation of the front board is facilitated. Oneneed only get the front board hooks generally centered on some portionof the bar and the carriage and drive therefor is adapted to accomplisha proper seating and centering of the board prior to final closuremovement. As will be more fully developed, the carriage includes meansto hold the front board out in the position of FIGURE 2 until handle 70is operated to effect closure. This feature permits the assembly to bemaintained in a position ready for immediate closure, but quiteobviously open. The carriage of the invention is driven by handle 70through a first motion of closure to place the contactors of the frontboard in a spaced but overlapping position relative to the contactors ofthe rear boards. Upon further operation of handle 70, the drivingmechanism of the carriage acts to effect final closure. Interlocks areprovided to prevent either motion accidentally.

The handle 106 and 110 of the front board 100 are made to serve anadditional function; namely, to provide points of force application fordriving the front board home to its final position of closure. Thisfeature eliminates the additional pin and hook components of prior artdevices as well as the usually heavy board frame base plate necessitatedby bottom or top cammed assemblies typical of the prior art.

From FIGURES 11A-13B it will be apparent that the contactors of theinvention are of a somewhat more complicated structure than that ofnon-shielded or noncoaxial systems. This is occasioned by the use ofelectrically separated conductive paths for the inner and outerconductors of shielded or coaxial cable, which paths are extendedbetween the rear and front boards to a region of separate contact forcenter paths substantially surrounded by conductive material alsobrought into separate contact for individual contactor positions. As abasic part of the invention each front board contactor is provided witha limited but defined play in the center conductive path to betterassure mating of each of the individual contactors, notwithstanding afixed mounting of the outer path. Additionally, both inner and outerpaths of each contactor are provided with spring forced portionsincluding wiping actions to maintain a low resistance path in thepresence of wear and surface contamination.

The duality of each contact position sponsors a need met by theinvention for a special and exact alignment of 4 front and rear boards.As part of the invention assembly, means are provided which accomplishalignment through the use of relatively loose tolerance componentslinked together in a manner which controls mating only in the lastmotion of closure.

From the foregoing and particularly from the detailed description tofollow, it should be apparent that the invention embraces features whichmay be used separately. For example the carriage mechanism and boardalignment features may find uses in non-coaxial systems. The meansprovided to interlock the system against an improper sequence of closureor camming can be employed in single conductor apparatus as well as incoaxial systems, although it will be appreciated that the need of thisfeature is greater where alignment of components is more critical. Thecoaxial contactors of the invention may be employed in fixed patchingsystems or connectors wherein the equivalent of front and rear boardmembers are held in a common frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Turning now to a specific description of theinvention. reference is made to FIGURES 18 for the rear board, carriageand front board construction detail. As seen in FIGURE 3, the rear board12 includes a frame preferably of metallic stock having side pieces suchas 14 shown on the left side of FIGURES 2 and 3 and channeled as at 14ato accommodate the links of the carriage which nest therein upon closureas shown in FIGURE 1. Each side piece includes at the bottom thereof aplate 30 slotted as indicated by 300 to guide and hold a pin such as 40aaffixed to the carriage lower link which rides up and down as thecarriage is operated. Secured to the top of the rear board frame is acarriage driving mechanism including an arm connected to a shaft 26which rides within and free of a further shaft comprised of an outersleeve 27 supported by bearings within bearing and cam supports such as24.

Again referring to FIGURE 3, in the frame of the rear board are panels20 apertured as at 20a to receive rear board contactors terminated onthe back thereof to input and output leads. The panels 20 are preferablyof molded plastic material with the apertures arrayed in a matrix tocenters complemented in the assembly front board. In the center of thepanels 20 and extending across the face thereof in a vertical sense isan aligning member 22 rigidly fixed to the rear bay frame. Upon closureof the front board a member 107, shown in FIGURE 2 rigidly aflixed tothe front board bottom, mates with 22 to center the front and rearpanels and the contactors of the system. The mating surfaces of 107 and22 are suitably beveled or tapered to preclude any slight mismatch fromcausing the parts to jam. The inner clearance between mating surfaces ismade to a close tolerance to assure proper centering of the boards.

The front board construction is shown in FIGURES 4A-5C and includespanels such as 102 apertured as at 102a to receive contactors insertedtherein which extend to engage the rear board contactors as generallydescribed. A frame, preferably of metal stock is provided surroundingand supporting the panels 102. Because of the technique of cammingutilized, the frame may be of a generally lighter construction thanheretofore required, particularly as to the bottom piece 120. Attachedto the frame top piece 114, at each end, are hook members 112 whichextend back over the board rear face and include portions 112a curved toprovide a recess 11% slightly larger in maximum width than the cross bar86 of the carriage, but closing to a rounded diameter to fit such bar.The hooks 112 are of a width to visually present themselves to the userand to maintain a substantial surface area in engagement with the bar.

On each side piece of the front board frame are two brackets such as 108shown relative to handle 106 and in additionally installed on the lowerhandle brackets relative to mating parts on the links. The use of bothbrackets and two lugs per front board side may be preferred in plugboardsystems larger than that shown; i.e., where the camming load issignificantly greater.

I-leretofore, to terms coaxial and shielded have been employed asdistinctive adjectives. The structural distinction is not clear sinceshielded cable is frequently coaxial and vice versa. The distinctionlies in one of function with shielding serving primarily to protect asignal carried on an inner conductor from RFI and with signal pathsbeing coaxial primarily to provide desirable transmissioncharacteristics for higher signal frequencies. The invention assembly isadapted to provide both what may be termed a shielded connection and acoaxial connection in the zone of contact between the front and rearboards.

Turning now to a description of the invention contactors and takingfirst the rear board contactor, reference is made to FIGURES 9A9D. Thecontactor is shown as 121 secured to a coaxial or shielded lead 120 andalfixed in aperture 20a of rear board 20. The contactor 121 includes twoparts, a forward shell 124 and a terminal 122. Shell 124 is separatelyshown in FIGURE 9B and is formed of spring stock brass or like materialto include a rear part 124a having ears to receive and hold under springpressure the contactor terminal through a surface contact with portion122d thereof. Forward of 124a is a further portion 124!) having earsadapted to be spread apart to lock the contactor shell 124 and thusterminal 122 against forward axial movement relative to board 20 asshown in FIG- URE 9A. The lower support portion of 1240 and 1241) isV-shaped to cooperate with a raised portion not shown in the end ofaperture 20a to lock the shell against relative rotational movement inboard 20. The raised portions are oriented from aperture to aperture toeffect a proper and common orientation of all of the rear boardcontactors.

The shell 124 includes a generally cylindrical portion 124d adapted tofit within and be supported rather tightly by the surfaces of aperture20a and a portion 124e of larger diameter which extends from the frontface of 20. The change in diameter defines a transverse surface whichlocks the shell and thus the terminal of the contactor against rearwardrelative movement in board 20. As should be apparent from FIGURE 9A theshell is inserted from the forward opening of 20a therethrough with earsof 124b being then opened out to lock the assembly therein. Extendingfrom portion 1242 are portions 124 and 124g which form spring membersflared at the ends as shown to define a point of contact with the outerconductive path of terminal 122; and a portion 124k which serves toextend the outer conductive shielding of the contactor.

Within shell 124 is an insulating insert 125 having a portion 125aadapted to be staked by dimples or other means to the shell and acylindrical portion 12512 which extends back into shell portion 124d.The insert is bored as at 125C to receive and captivate an inner contactmemher 126 which includes spring arms 126a and 126b and a rear springbarrel 126c adapted to receive and contact the center conductive pin ofthe terminal 122. The ends of the arms are flared outwardly to permit anaxial insertion of a front board contactor for post-patching and thebottoms of the ends are flared to permit the standard vertical closureof such; the flaring serving to guide the contact pin of the front boardcontactor home within the arms.

The construction of the contractor terminal 122 as shown in FIGURE 9Dincludes a central body shell 122a apertured on opposite sides as at122b and having a rear shell extension 1220 and a forward shellextension 122d; all defining a bore 122e extending through the piece.The apertures 122]) permit the entry of dies to effect a crimp of thecenter pin to the center conductor of lead 120. Ex tension 1220 servesin a standard manner to provide a surface for contact and support forthe lead outer conductor crimped thereagainst by a ferrule and theforward extension 122d provides a surface for contact with the ears of124a and 12417. The relief in the surface of 122d is to provide a wallthickness sufficiently thin to readily facilitate staking of adielectric insert therein by means of a dimple or indentation.

Fitted within 122a in the position shown in FIGURE 9C is an insulatingsleeve 123 which has an outer configuration to fit within the bore 122eand an interior bore to receive and support a center pin member 127. Thepin includes a forward portion 127a of a dimension to fit within andcontact the barrel 126c of 126. The rear 127b of the pin includes a boreto receive the center conductor of lead and be terminated thereto bycrimping through dies inserted through apertures 12% of shell 122a. Aflared portion 127a facilitates entry of such conductor and operates tohold the pin against axial forward float by engagement with sleeve 123.

The contactor 121 further includes a ferrule 128 as shown in FIGURE 9Dadapted to be positioned as in FIGURE 90 and crimped inwardly toterminate and connect the lead outer conductor to the contactor againstthe surface of 122C. Finally, there is provided a clip 129 which servesto provide shielding over the apertures 12217. Clip 129 includes anindentation 129a which is adapted to snap into the recess of one of theapertures and hold the clip in position.

With 122 assembled the center conductive path thereof is insulated andshielded along its length up to where the pin 127 emerges. A shortlength of sleeve 123 is made to protrude as shown in FIGURE 9G to assurethat no combination of tolerances can permit the forward end of 122g toshort against the rear end 1260. With 122 plugged into 124 an innerconductive path is extended from the lead inner conductor to pin 127 andthen to 126 and the outer conductive path is extended from the leadouter conductor through 1220 to the shell 122a, portion 122g and thenthrough portion 124a to the forward end of the shell 124.

Turning now to the front board contactor reference is made to FIGURESIDA-10C. In FIGURE 10A the contactor 141 is shown terminated to acoaxial lead and aflixed within an aperture 102a of board panel 102. Thecontactor includes two parts in a shell and shield structure 142 and aterminal 144 adapted to be fitted and held therein. The shell 142 ispreferably of one piece formed of spring stock conductive material toinclude a rear portion 142a adapted to frictionally fit within aperture102a and be held therein against axial or rotating movement by sharpenedpoints such as 142b carried on short span spacing ears 142a. Extendingforwardly thereof is a cantilever supported spring 142d which ispositioned down within the body of 142 in the path of insertion travelof the terminal 144. The forward end of 142d includes a curved portion142e which is adapted to engage a portion of the terminal and latch theterminal down against an inwardly formed flat 142i of the shell and holdthe terminal against rearward axial movement. As an important feature ofthe invention, this engagement in conjunction with the reduced diameterof 144 permits the contact pin thereof to move in a transverse sensepivoting about the terminal support point within 1420. The movement islimited to the width of the taper of the ends of springs 126a and 12612of the rear board contactor. This feature permits slight tolerancedeviations to be accommodated throughout the front and rear boards withproper contact of inner and outer conductive paths.

Forwardly of 142d is a C-shaped channel 142g which extends out fromboard 102 to overly the outer conductive portions of contactor 122 inthe manner described relative to FIGURES 11A-13B.

The terminal 144 includes a shell 144a having an extension 14412 at therear end adapted to receive and contact the outer conductor of coaxiallead 140 under the crimp of a ferrule 146. At the forward end of 144 isa portion 144c which is serrated to receive and hold a contact ring 147in the manner of FIGURE 10C. The ring 148 is detail in FIGURE 4B. Eachbracket includes a portion such as 108a into which the handle is fittedand supported. Further included are spaced portions extending rearwardlyto present a beveled surface 108b and defined therebetween a slot 1080adapted to be engaged by the corresponding lug of each lower carriagelink; such as lug 41 of link 40 shown to the right in FIGURE 3. Throughthe engagement of the lugs on links 40 and 80 with the brackets, thefront board is carried upwardly to effect a final contactor engagementas described hereinafter.

Referring to FIGURES 5A and 5B, the interior of the frame pieces isrelieved as shown with respect to piece 114 to define a locking groove114b between faces 114a and 1140 which holds the panels 120 within theframe. Preferably, the panels are bonded to the frame pieces in themanner described in US. patent application Ser. No. 350,450 filed Mar.9, 1964. An alternate mounting of the panels is shown in FIGURE SE tomore readily permit silk screening of the front face of the panel forprogramming instructions. In this embodiment a frame piece 118 includesa recess 118a receiving a panel which rests against an inner face 118b,such that the outer panel face is flush with the outer frame edge.

Now, as should be apparent, the lifting force to drive the front board100 upwardly is applied via the brackets 108 from a point toward thecenter of the board rather than at the bottom or top thereof. Because ofthis, the main part of the frame carries tensional loads rather thancompressional loads as in prior art devices. This permits a reduction inthe thickness of the frame pieces with an incident saving in weight andcost.

The carriage of the assembly of the invention includes crossed links4042, 80-82, as shown in FIGURE 3, on either side which aresubstantially identical except as to being reversed to face inwardly.The links 40 and 80 are secured as mentioned through pins such as 40awhich float but are linked to vertical travel by a part of the rearboard frame. The links are further connected by a common pin such as 80bshown in FIGURE 3, positioned at the link cross point and adapted topermit a vertical movement of 40 and 80 relative to links 42 and 82 whenthe carriage is closed in the position of FIGURE 1. Upper links 42 and82 are pivotally supported on a tubular extension 27a of sleeve 27secured therein by clamps such as 27b, as shown in FIGURE 8. Theextension end is supported in a bearing 24a within 24 and is tied to aneccentric 72 secured to shaft 26. As shown in FIGURE 6, a lifting arm 74includes a cam surface 74a in contact with the eccentric 72 and adaptedto be driven upwardly and downwardly by rotation of arm 70. The arm 74is secured for a limited sliding movement relative to 82 through anextension of pin 80b through a slot 82b to drive the link 80 verticallyto, in turn, drive the front board and its contactors in the finalmovement of closure.

Within a recess 74b of arm 74 is a spring 83 operable in tension andtied between a pin 82c on link 82 and an arm 85 which rests within 82 onthe opposite side thereof as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. A projection 85aof the upper end of 85 rides in a slot 82d. The lower end of 85 is tiedby a pin 85b to the link 80 as shown in FIGURE 3. When the front boardis closed spring 83 is loaded to exert a pulling force on 85a whichforce is applied to link 80 to bias the carriage and front boardoutwardly after an initial opening movement via drive from 70.

The structure including the eccentric shown as 72, arm 74, spring member83, arm 85 and its attachment to the link 80 is reproduced in theopposite side of the assembly relative to links 40 and 42 and such iscovered on both sides by plates such as 4-4. The sleeve 27 is connectedthereto as is shown in FIGURE 8 to operate the left side mechanism inthe same manner.

A travel limiting and locking mechanism is provided through a member 87secured to the eccentric 72 and thus to shaft 26 for operation bymovement of handle 70.

The member 87 includes a stop surface 87a which engages the upperportion 89a of a latch member 89 upon operation of the carriage to theclosed but not fully cammed position. This position is shown in FIGURE7.

As the carriage is operated to drop or cam the front board downwardly toopen contact, the member 87 rotates around to the position of FIGURE 7with the latch member 89 riding upon a surface 87b to be held outwardlyuntil a recess 870 is reached to permit the member 89 to snap inwardlyas driven by a spring 89b about a pivotal connection 890 (shown inFIGURE 6) with arm 82. Projecting from the upper end of 89 and through aslot 82d is a pin 89d which cooperates with interior surfaces 28a and28b in member 28. With the carriage closed and cammed, pin 89d ispositioned and held by a face 87 of 87 in the recess formed by 28b tolock the carriage from outward movement prior to the front board beingcammed downwardly to the open contact position. With the latch memberseated as shown in FIGURE 7, the pin 89d is free for sliding movementalong surface 28a and the carriage is free for opening movement. Thus,when the cariage is prepared for opening movement the front board andits contactors are locked in a disengaged position relative to the rearboard contactors and no camming thereof can occur. Alternatively, whenthe contactors of the board are engaged there is a further interlock tobe described which prevents accidental opening of the carriage.

As a further part of the alignment and interlock mechanism of theinvention assembly, links 40-42 and and 82 include guide members such as84 shown secured to link 80 in FIGURE 3. The forward edge of thesemembers is beveled as at 84a to catch and guide the inner edge of theframe of the front board to a center position as the carriage is movedfrom the position of FIGURE 2 to the position of FIGURE 1. The thicknessof each member is .made so as to provide a relatively flat surface 84bwhich fits against the outer surface of the rear board frame piece 21with the outer surface of the front board frame sides resting betweenthe beveled portions of the guide members. On the rear of each guidemember is a vertical projection such as 840 on member 84 which includesa forwardly oriented face adapted to cooperate with a vertical faceshown to the right of FIGURE 3 as 15a of a locking member 15. The guidemembers are positioned so that the faces of members 84 and 15a clearupon initial closure movement but engage upon the front board beingdriven upwardly to close contact. It is preferred that the guide memberssuch as 84 be of a resilient material, as for example nylon.

Also carried by links 40 and 80 are lugs such as 41 and 81 which serveto develop the vertical camming forces which drive the front board ofthe assembly to close its contactors against the contactors of the rearboards. Each of the lugs is secured to its associated link in a positionto engage a slot in the upper mounting bracket of the front boardhandles. This slot is shown as 1080 in the bracket 108 of FIGURES 1-3and 4A-4B. Upon closure of the carriage from the position of FIGURES 2and 3 to the position of FIGURE 1 the slot faces are carried to engageand seat over the faces of the lugs 41 and 81. Then, as the finalmovement of the carriage driving mechanism is effected to pull links 40and 80 upwardly, the lugs operate through an engagement with thebrackets to carry the front board in its final and vertical motion toaccomplish contactor closure. During opening of the assembly, thereverse function occurs with the bottom faces of lugs 41 and 81 drivingthe front board downwardly to break the existing contact paths andeffect an opening of existing circuits.

Here, it is mentioned that one alternative of the invention contemplatesa reversal of parts wherein the lugs are carried by the front boardhandle brackets and the slots are placed in the links 40 and 80.Additionally, it is contemplated that lugs or slots may be alternativelyand/or preferably of brass plated to establish a good contact surfacefor engagement with the spring portions of 124] and 124g. Adjacent ring147 is an enlarged portion 144d integral with 144a which serves toreceive the spring portion 142a and to support the terminal against 142The section of 144a extending rearwardly therefrom is relieved as shownto permit the movement above described and then enlarged to fit withinspring cars 1420 and be supported thereby. The ears 142c and portion142f tend to hold the terminal centered but permit movement to theextent necessary for the pin of the terminal to be guided with springs126a and 12611 and Within springs 124; and 124g.

Fitted within a bore 1442 in shell 144 is an insulating insert 148 ofdiameters to be entrapped therein to hold and position a pin 149. Thepin includes a forward contact portion 149a and a sleeve portion 14912which receives the center conductor of lead 140 and is terminatedthereto as by crimping prior to insertion of the pin with 148 and 144a.

The assembly forming 141 extends a center conductive path from the leadcenter conductor to pin 149 and an outer conductive path from extension144b terminated to the lead outer conductor, through shell 1440 to ring147 and thus to shell 142.

Upon initial closure of the assembly the carriage positions the frontboard relative to the back board as shown in FIGURES 11A and 11B withthe contactor 141 spaced below and in overlapping relationships tocontactor 121. At this point through the board guiding and alignmentfeatures described previously, the contactor conductive paths are insubstantial vertical alignment as indicated by the dotted line in FIGURE11B. As the front board is cammed upwardly the contactors close to theposition of FIGURES 12A and 12B such that the pin 149 engages,

spreads and wipes the inner surface of springs 126a and 126b and thering 147 similarly engages, spreads and wipes the inner surface springs124] and 124g. At this point a coaxial and shielded connection isestablished with the inner connection substantially covered by portions142g of 141 and portion 124]: of 121.

As an added feature, the final motion of the carriage drops the frontboard slightly to effect a relative movement of the contactors and causethe engaged contact surfaces to wipe back into a pre-Wiped area as shownin FIGURES 13A and 13B. This assures a clean and low resistanceconnection of both paths.

Changes in construction will occur to those skilled in the art andvarious apparently different modifications and embodiments may be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention. The matter set forthin the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by wayof illustration only.

I claim:

1. A contactor adapted to be plugged into a receptacle to extendtherefrom for connection with a further contactor including an innerconductive path formed by a pin member and outer conductive pathsurrounding said pin member and spaced therefrom by an insulatingsleeve, said outer path including a ring member carrying a contactsurface, and a further member commoned to said outer path by springmeans centering said outer and inner paths within said further member,said further member including a portion of conductive material extendingover and around a substantial surface of said inner and outer paths.

2. A switching device for making and breaking shielded conductive pathscomprised of a first panel having a given array of apertures therein,first contactors terminated to shielded conductive paths and insertedand secured within said apertures in said given array, a second panelhaving an array of apertures therein corresponding to said given arrayand second contactors terminated to shielded conductive paths positionedand secured within the apertures of said second panel, carriage meansoperatively coupling said first and second panels to position the firstand second contactors in an aligned but spaced apart and over-lappingrelationship, said carriage means being operable to drive said first andsecond panels to cause said first contactors to engage said secondcontactors to effect contact closure therebetween making contact betweenthe shielded conductive paths of the first and second contactorsrespectively, and further operable to drive said first and second panelsto separate said first and second contactors and effect an open contactcondition breaking the shielded conductive paths of the first and secondcontactors respectively, each of said contactors including an innerconductive member and an outer conductive member with the outerconductive members substantially surrounding the inner conductivemembers along the length thereof except at end portions, the outerconductive mem bers of the first and second contactors being relieved atsuch end portions to expose portions of the inner conductive members ofthe first and second contactors respectively and being dimensionedwhereby engagement of said first and second contactors results inengagement of the inner conductors of said first and second contactorsand of the end portions of said outer conductors in a manner substantialsurrounding the signal path formed by engagement of the inner conductivemembers.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein each of said first and secondcontactors is comprised of an insert frictionally held within therespective panels and inner plug member snap fitted within said insert,said inner plug member including inner and outer conductors terminatedto the signal lead and shielding lead of the shielded conductive paths.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein at least one of said contactorsincludes a structure permitting a slight movement transverse to theplane of a given panel and the other contactor mateable therewithincludes spring means to receive said contactor throughout the range ofthe movement permitted by said structure whereby the contactors of saiddevice are self-aligning in engagement to accommodate tolerances.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein one of said first and second contactorsincludes a male inner conductor and a female outer conductor and theother of said contactors includes a female inner conductor and a maleouter conductor, relative to said engagement making contact between saidshielded conductive paths.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,548,457 4/1951 Wilson 3391773,034,090 5/1962 Noschese 339177 3,179,914 4/1965 Uberbacher 339-1773,235,834 2/1966 OKeefe et al. 339--177 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, PrimaryExaminer D. SMITH, JR., Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 33918, 177

